My smile is awkward and my lips pull too tight. What treatments would work best for me?

Question

Smiling is very uncomfortable for me. I cannot smile properly when I want/try to, and when I smile naturally, my lips pull tight and flatten out, almost as if they don't know how to form a smile. Another concern I have is that the corners of my mouth are quite droopy. I've considered the fact that my mouth muscles are too overactive and have looked into Botox and filler, but I'm not sure which treatment or of any others treatments that would suit my situation. Any ideas?

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

You would probably benefit from a combination of Botox to relax your overactive mouth muscles plus a hyaluronic-acid based filler to even out your lips. However, this can only be determined by an in-person evaluation. 
 
You don’t need to figure out which treatment you need before you go to the dermatologist; simply come prepared with your desired outcome — either through description or through photos. An expert will be able to help you choose the best therapy to get the results you want. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist who has used Botox and fillers to correct awkward smiles.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is tough to answer without pictures and needs an in-person evaluation. Fillers with or without botox can be used to improve lip corners. PDO nova threads can provide lift and improve shape. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

My smile is awkward and my lips pull too tight. What treatments would work best for me?

Answers (2)